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Jeb Patton: Preludes
ByAlthough Patton's Preludes are clearly jazz-aligned, a touch or more of their classical substrata can be heard on every one of them, thanks in part to Patton's exquisite solos and to his determination to span musical boundaries via his inclusive compositions and arrangements. Even so, they swing as only jazz themes can, as bassist David Wong and drummer Quincy Davis link with Patton to lend the session a large share of its rhythmic vitality. That is not to imply that the quintet's front-linerstrumpeter Mike Rodriguez and multi-reed specialist John Ellisdo not do their part to further the swing quotient, as they do precisely that whenever the need arises.
As every number on the album is a Prelude of sorts, the best that can be done to identify them is to name their key signatures, which are (in order) C Major, F# Major, A Minor, G Minor, B Minor, E Minor, E Major, D Major and of course "Prelude to a Kiss." There are two flat-out burners (G Minor, E Minor), on each of which Ellis plays splendid tenor sax. He moves easily to soprano on the sultry A Minor, to flute on the courtly E Major, and to bass clarinet on the entrancing D Major. Rodriguez' flugelhorn is showcased on the beguiling B Minor, while Patton leads a trio on F# Major and "Prelude to a Kiss." Wong solos on F# Major, E Major and "Prelude to a Kiss."
Jazz or classical, Patton shows throughout that he is thoroughly comfortable in either genre, garnishing his solos with tasteful allusions, and even slipping in a brief reference to the traditional jig "The Irish Washerwoman." As it turns out, his plan to blend jazz and classical elementswhich has been done beforeis astute and impressive, underscored by one basic truism: good music is good music, no matter its premise.
Track Listing
Prelude in C Major; Prelude in F# Major; Prelude in A Minor; Prelude in G Minor; Prelude in B Minor; Prelude in E Minor; Prelude in E Major; Prelude in D Major; Prelude to a Kiss.
Personnel
Jeb Patton
pianoMike Rodriguez
trumpetJohn Ellis
saxophone, tenorDavid Wong
bassQuincy Davis
drumsAlbum information
Title: Preludes | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Cellar Records
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Jeb Patton
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